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Genetic differences of Ascaridia galli egg output in laying hens.

Abstract

Lately, animal welfare issues and changes in consumer’s demands have resulted in an increased number of birds being kept in alternative production systems such free-range and floor husbandry where the animals are not separated from their faeces. This change has resulted in a renewed importance for helminthoses. The economic impact of endoparasites and the consequences of antiparasitic treatments from chemical residues on food products and the environment as well as the occurrence of drug resistance, has led to an increasing interest in genetic selection for parasite resistance in different host species as an alternative method of control (Gauly and Erhardt, 2001). Results of several studies indicated that some chicken breeds may be more resistant to parasitic infection than others (Ackert et al., 1935 ; Buchwalder et al., 1977). Heritabilities for parasite resistance have not been estimated in chickens so far. Therefore the aim of this study was to estimate the heritability of A. galli resistance in two commercial lines. This trait can be of importance for animals kept in alternative and organic farming systems.